Microsoft Vet Jumps to Clear Channel

Rick Song, who spent the past six and a half years at Microsoft, has been named evp of digital sales for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

Song most recently was the gm of Microsoft Advertising, often serving as the public face of the company at its annual digital showcase events, during which his team worked to establish MSN as a major entertainment hub and branded Web video destination. Previously, Song headed up Microsoft’s east coast sales following stints at Yahoo and Forbes.com.

Said a Microsoft spokesperson: "We have initiated a search for Rick’s replacement. In the interim, John Piontkowski, regional sales director for Microsoft Advertising, will lead our East Coast Region efforts."

Song’s departure is the latest in what could be termed an alarming pattern at Microsoft. In April came word that both Richard Dunmall, longtime vp of global agencies and accounts, and Marc Bresseel, vp of global marketing, would soon be leaving the company. And over the past year or so Microsoft also lost sales chief Carolyn Everson to Facebook and Jay Sampson, head of emerging media sales, to Machinima.

Rick Song, who spent the past six and a half years at Microsoft, has been named evp of digital sales for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.

Song most recently was the gm of Microsoft Advertising, often serving as the public face of the company at its annual digital showcase events, during which his team worked to establish MSN as a major entertainment hub and branded Web video destination. Previously, Song headed up Microsoft’s east coast sales following stints at Yahoo and Forbes.com.

Said a Microsoft spokesperson: "We have initiated a search for Rick’s replacement. In the interim, John Piontkowski, regional sales director for Microsoft Advertising, will lead our East Coast Region efforts."

Song’s departure is the latest in what could be termed an alarming pattern at Microsoft. In April came word that both Richard Dunmall, longtime vp of global agencies and accounts, and Marc Bresseel, vp of global marketing, would soon be leaving the company. And over the past year or so Microsoft also lost sales chief Carolyn Everson to Facebook and Jay Sampson, head of emerging media sales, to Machinima.